Tag: bank closure

Michael has said discussions with Barclays regarding the announced closure of their Farningham branch have been ‘constructive’.

‘There is a regrettable trend away from high street banks to online banking, which is understandable but can leave local businesses and customers dependent on the bank with few other options’, Michael said. ‘That’s why it’s important that Barclays now support the community in delivering alternative banking provision.’

In their letter to Michael, Barclays said 74 customers have been identified as being dependent on the Farningham branch. Barclays have assured Michael that they will contact each of these customers to ensure they have a better understanding of the alternative banking options available.

‘I welcome the support Barclays plans to provide in our area during this transitional period’, Michael said. ‘Our job now is to ensure that customers and businesses do receive this support and that local premises that can offer full banking services for customers and businesses are able to do so.’

Michael has contacted Barclays for a further meeting. He hopes to organise an event in the constituency whereby customers dependent on the Farningham branch are trained in accessing alternative banking safely and securely.

Michael has written to Lloyds Banking Group to call for ‘complete transparency’ regarding their recent announced closure of the branch in New Ash Green.

In the letter, Michael asks what consultations Lloyds has held with its customers and businesses before announcing the closure, scheduled for 5th July 2017. He writes: ‘I am concerned that my constituents have not been sufficiently consulted before the decision was taken by Lloyds Banking Group to close their local branch’.

Michael has urged Lloyds to consider the ‘drastic impact’ the closure would have on personal customers, particularly elderly customers, and local businesses in the letter.

He also raises questions about the viability of the alternative banking services recommended by Lloyds: ‘There should be complete transparency surrounding the decision to close a local branch and a comprehensive impact assessment should be published with sufficient consideration of the alternatives available’.

Cllr Claire Pearsall delivered a petition to save the Lloyds Bank branch in New Ash Green to Michael. The petition has over 900 signatures. Michael has sent the petition on to Lloyds Banking Group along with a copy of his letter.